Christmas Recipes (Cookies, Drinks, Mains, Sides, Desserts)

What if someone told you that Christmas doesn’t have to be a stressful time in the kitchen? Here are 100 plus recipes that are simple, easy, and the most delicious along with tips, ideas, and menus to plan your holiday dinner.

A collage of holiday recipes. — 101 Christmas Recipes Collections.

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Holidays are always overwhelming with food related questions. What to make? What to give? And what should we cook for the holiday dinner? Here are my recipes that I use throughout the holiday season, including cookies, truffles, and bars that you can use as holiday gifts. Also, I have Christmas recipes for entertaining, as well as what to cook for Christmas dinner from starters, appetizers, and main-course to sides and desserts. There's something for everyone.

How to plan a festive dinner?

Plan your Thanksgiving menu before you start shopping. That way, you avoid over-shopping or forgetting to buy the necessary items.
Also, decide how many people are going to be at the dinner table so you don't have to recalculate your menu over and over again. In addition, plan for at least 2 extra servings, so you don't run short. It's always better to have a few leftovers than to run short at dinner.
Then, choose a theme or style that is not too contrasting. For example, if you choose to make a Middle Eastern style main course, don't make a French-style side dish or appetizer. Because, while they may be absolutely delicious on their own, often these flavors don't complement each other.
And choose dishes that look pretty, colorful, and offer a variety of textures and tastes.
Also, make a few classics for those who are more conservative. And try a few new recipes so people get something different. As a result, they will remember it a long time later.
Don't repeat the main ingredients. For example,if you are making one main-course lamb (red meat), make the other turkey, chicken, or fish.
Or, if you choose one pumpkin pie, don't make the second dessert with pumpkin or pie. Instead, try an apple cake, brownies, etc.
Also, give a mix of different textures. For example, if you make mashed potatoes don't make mashed peas. Rather, try oven-baked casseroles or roasted asparagus or sautéed carrots.
Try to use as many make-ahead dishes as you can such as desserts, side dishes, and appetizers. That way, you can concentrate on the main course and set the table.
Most importantly, make sure to take into account those in the family with special dietary needs, and allergies, such as vegan, or egg and dairy allergies.
And, if you are new to cooking, choose recipes that are easy and you are confident making or have tried before. And if you are a seasoned cook, choose 70% tried and tested recipes. In addition, choose two to three that will stretch your cooking skills.
Don't skip salads, bread, and condiments. In fact, bread is easy to make or buy ahead. And salads add color and texture to the dinner table. Also, condiments are often what people need to add a little something to their main dishes, like cranberry sauce with roast turkey or chicken.
Lastly, make sure to offer your guests drinks and appetizers that will encourage mingling. This is especially important when you have guests that don't know each other. For example, pre-snacks such as chips with salsa, cheese and crackers are a great way to build an appetite. But too much of that can also become unnecessary fillers.
If you have guests that like to keep things healthy, try substituting some of the dishes with healthier options. For example, instead of making mashed potatoes make skinny mashed potato or a sweet potato casserole. Try roasted squash salad or green bean casserole. And, when possible, use yogurt instead of sour cream, or maple and honey instead of sugar. Try cranberries instead of raisins.
And if you are a small family, make turkey breast instead of the whole roast turkey. Or make a roast chicken or roast beef.

Since we always start with baking Christmas cookies first. I have over 50 wonderful holiday cookie recipes and many of those are great for the Christmas cookie platter.
But, let me share with you my favorite collection of holiday cookie recipes.

The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

This sugar cookies recipe has a classic taste, crispy texture, and perfect sweetness. This recipe uses less sugar and butter than other recipes, but the end result is a soft, fluffy, tasty sugar cookie that’s just as pleasing to the palate.

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How to plan a festive dinner?

25 Christmas cookie recipes

8 Christmas truffles and fudge recipes

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